Like Most Dictators, Trump Wants A Grand Military Parade In His Honor

“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” revealed a military official. “This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.”

President Donald Trump was so impressed by the famous Bastille Day celebrations during his visit to France, he reportedly ordered the Pentagon to plan a grand military parade that would see tanks, missile launchers and hundreds of uniformed soldiers marching down the streets of Washington, D.C.

As The Washington Post reported, the commander-in-chief was so enthralled by the French troops marching down Avenue des Champs-Elysees and fighter jets flying over the Arc de Triomphe that he demanded a similar display during a meeting with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford.

What’s even more interesting is that Trump’s ostensibly autocratic demand request is being taken seriously.

“The marching orders were: I want a parade like the one in France,” a military official told the publication. “This is being worked at the highest levels of the military.”

While it’s ironic that Trump — a man who dodged the draft during the Vietnam War by filing five deferments — wants a military parade to showcase the might of U.S. military, it is also important to note a certain kind of rulers are historically known for giving such commands: dictators. For instance, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is known for his penchant for extravagant parades to show off his country’s military prowess.

Moreover, Trump’s request for a parade has also sparked concerns how the display of military hardware could stimulate visions of a despotic regime — rather than patriotism.

After The Washington Post published the report, the White House also confirmed Trump did ask for a grand military parade — to show support for soldiers, of course.

“President Trump is incredibly supportive of America’s great service members who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe,” Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “He has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.”

The thing is, parades like the one the president is demanding do not come cheap.

At a time when the Department of Defense is complaining about low funds for military training, the cost of transporting Abrams tanks, missile launchers and other high-tech weaponry to Washington, D.C. would cost millions.

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman Charlie Summers told NBC News, "We are aware of the request and are looking at possible dates,” describing the planning process as being in its “infancy.”

Social media users had a lot to say about Trump’s latest demand:

Trump this week:

— says political opponents who don’t clap for him are committing treason

I’m pretty sure we have to start marching in the streets. Forget about trump wanting a military parade. What about the people around him who are contemplating a military parade? Where is the decency? What is happening?

it wont happen, but i wish the military would say to trump "nah. you're commander-in-chief, and we do what you order us to do within the law, but this military parade shit? fuck that. you're not stalin and this isn't russia."

Unsurprisingly, a number of online users also pointed out how dictators are known for their fondness for military parades.

trump WANTS HUGE MILITARY PARADE OF TANKS & ARMS, DOWN PENNSYLVANIA AVE. GUESS HE DOESNT CARE IF THEY RIP UP ASPHALT IN FRONT OF WHITE HOUSE&, COST TAXPAYERS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS/BILLION??2BRING TANKS FROM ALL OVER????.trump LET PUTIN ELECT HIM,NOW trump CAN BE A DICTATOR 2????

Trump now wants a massive military parade like Kim Jung Un that will cost us millions in tax dollars so he can move closer to being a dictator. I hope the libertarian wing of GOP will oppose tanks rolling down US streets https://t.co/aS6DITUTma